(they entered upon him, and said: "Salaman (peace!).'' He said: "Indeed we are frightened of you.'') meaning that they were scared. The reason for their fear has been mentioned previously, which is that they noticed that these guests did not eat of the food that was offered, which was a fattened calf.

﴿قَالُواْ لاَ تَوْجَلْ﴾

(They said: "Do not be afraid!...'') meaning, do not be scared.

﴿وَبَشَّرُوهُ بِغُلَـمٍ عَلَيمٍ﴾

(We bring you the good news of a boy possessing much knowledge and wisdom.) this refers to Ishaq, as was previously mentioned in Surat Hud. Then

﴿قَالَ﴾

(He said) meaning he spoke with wonder and astonishment, asking for confirmation, because he was old and his wife was old:

(57. He said: "What then is the business for which you have come, O messengers'') (58. They said: "We have been sent to a guilty people.'') (59. "(All) except the family of Lut, all of whom we are to save (from the destruction).'') (60. "Except for his wife, of whom We have decreed that she shall be of those who remain behind.'')